Lightsource bp — a solar project developer — has begun construction on its 168MW Kōwhai Park solar power plant in Christchurch, New Zealand just days after securing financing.
Lightsource bp Brings Solar Power to New Zealand
Kōwhai Park is being built adjacent to Christchurch Airport on land owned by Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL) and Environment Canterbury. The project is a collaboration between Lightsource bp and Contact Energy Limited.
Kowhai Park solar project New Zealand
The developer announced that construction on the power plant has begun after securing NZ$267 million (US$162 million) in funding. The financing package was obtained from a consortium of international banks including Westpac New Zealand, Mizuho, China Construction Bank and Intesa Sanpaolo—IMICIB.
Adam Pegg, Managing Director of APAC at Lightsource bp inaugurated the project's construction at a ceremony emphasizing the company's commitment to providing low-cost and reliable energy solutions for New Zealand amid its ongoing energy crisis.
“We’ve built strong partnerships with both Contact Energy and Christchurch Airport, and we’re proud to lead such an important and complex project for the region,” Pegg added.
Kōwhai Park Project to Install 300,000 Solar Modules
The Kōwhai Park project will feature approximately 300,000 solar modules to supply power once completed in 2026. Developed in partnership with Contact Energy, it will connect to Orion New Zealand’s 66kV distribution network.
“Kōwhai Park solar farm is strategically positioned to generate renewable energy at scale. The project would play a pivotal role in advancing New Zealand’s renewable energy goals,” said Rod Smythe, KWM lead partner.
“Kōwhai Park marks a significant milestone as our first project in New Zealand to reach this stage. We're proud to have established a strong partnership with Contact and Christchurch Airport, contributing to New Zealand’s journey towards decarbonisation,” said Will Sellars, Lightsource bp associate GC
Lightsource bp's website states that Kowhai Park will generate 290,000 MWh of electricity annually, enough to power approximately 36,000 homes.
CHINTEC and Ventia to Oversee Solar Project Construction
CHINTEC — the engineering, procurement and construction contractor — is handling the construction of the solar PV project while Ventia, the infrastructure service provider will oversee the network connection infrastructure.
The solar PV project will serve as the first phase in developing the broader Kōwhai Park Ecosystem which is being constructed on 400 hectares of land adjacent to Christchurch Airport's runways. The Airport aims to attract further investment from businesses and organisations interested in advancing renewable energy projects and supporting the Airport’s decarbonization efforts.
Christchurch Airport plans to integrate various renewable energy technologies to bolster the local economy and aid its energy transition. The ecosystem plan includes developing on-site liquid hydrogen production with an electrolyser, electric ground charging for EV fleets, vertical farming assets and data centres.